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Petrucci E, Cofini V, Pizzi B, Sollecchia G, Cascella M, Stefano N, Vittori A, Marinangeli F. Health Status Perception and Psychological Sequelae in Buried Victims: An Observational Study on Survivors of the Earthquake in Amatrice (Italy), Three Years Later. Prehosp Disaster Med 2023; 38:193-198. [PMID: 36803525 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x23000146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The extrication from rubble is particularly critical for the survival of the victims of an earthquake. Early repeated infusion of sedative agents (SAs) in the acute trauma phase may interfere with neural processes leading to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). STUDY OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the psychological status reported by the buried victims of the earthquake in Amatrice (August 24, 2016; Italy) by considering type of the SAs administered during the extrication maneuvers. METHODS This was an observational study on data from 51 patients directly rescued under the rubble during the earthquake in Amatrice. During extrication maneuvers, a moderate sedation was administered by titrating ketamine (0.3-0.5mg/kg) or morphine (0.1-0.15mg/kg) with respect to the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS; between -2 and -3) in buried victims.Three years following the rescue, the survivors were interviewed on their perceived health status and stress using a questionnaire which consisted of 17 items: the standard four-item set of healthy days core questions (CDC HRQOL-4); the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12); and in addition, survivors were asked if they had a diagnosis for anxiety, depression, or for PTSD. RESULTS The study analyzed data from the complete clinical documentation of 51 survivors; 30 were males and 21 females, with an average age of 52 years. Twenty-six (26) subjects were treated with ketamine, while 25 were treated with morphine, during the extrication procedures. Concerning the quality-of-life analysis, only 10 survivors out of 51 perceived their health status as good; the others reported psychological disorders. The GHQ-12 scores showed that all survivors had psychological distress with a mean total score of 22.2 (SD = 3.5). Eighteen (18) victims declared to have had a diagnosis of generalized anxiety (35%), while 29 were treated for depression (57%) and PTSD (57%) by a specialist. With regards to the perceived distress level and the anxiety disorder, this analysis showed significant associations with SAs used during extrication, with a better performance for ketamine than for morphine. CONCLUSION These findings suggest investigating whether early sedation with ketamine directly in the disaster setting may promote the prophylaxis and reduce the risk of developing trauma-related disorders (TRDs) on the buried victims of major natural disasters in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Petrucci
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, San Salvatore Academic Hospital of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vincenza Cofini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Barbara Pizzi
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, SS Filippo and Nicola Academic Hospital of Avezzano, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giacomo Sollecchia
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Cascella
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS, Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Necozione Stefano
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vittori
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, ARCO ROMA, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Marinangeli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Tobia L, Muselli M, De Luca F, Cofini V, Mastrangeli G, Fabiani L, Necozione S. Community pharmacists' perceptions and experiences of stress during COVID-19. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:17. [PMID: 36707906 PMCID: PMC9880923 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00523-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacists play a crucial role in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario, performing frontline roles for the community, and supporting the healthcare system. This study aimed at investigating stress and its correlates among this category of workers at a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS The participants for this study were employees of the "Municipal Pharmaceutical Company" of L'Aquila (Italy). Data were collected using an anonymous, web-based, self-administered questionnaire. Two independent surveys were conducted, from June to July 2020, and in January 2021. RESULTS Two separate groups of respondents were involved: a total of 37 workers participated in the first survey (mean age 44.9 ± 10.7, 75.7% women) and 18 in the second survey (mean age 45.9 ± 9.2, 94.4% women). The average total scores of the perceived stress (GHQ-12 score) increased significantly from 15.5 to 18.2 (p = 0.0438), showing a moderate level of stress in the category investigated. CONCLUSIONS We observed a strong emotional exhaustion in the study sample of pharmacists, who reported high-risk perceptions and fear. A comprehensive assistance should be granted to support the well-being of healthcare workers who provide an essential service, despite the high risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loreta Tobia
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
| | - Mario Muselli
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
| | - Fabio De Luca
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
| | - Vincenza Cofini
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
| | - Giada Mastrangeli
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
| | - Leila Fabiani
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
| | - Stefano Necozione
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, (MeSVA-UNIVAQ), Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, AQ Italy
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Cofini V, Perilli E, Moretti A, Bianchini V, Perazzini M, Muselli M, Lanzi S, Tobia L, Fabiani L, Necozione S. E-Learning Satisfaction, Stress, Quality of Life, and Coping: A Cross-Sectional Study in Italian University Students a Year after the COVID-19 Pandemic Began. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138214. [PMID: 35805872 PMCID: PMC9266753 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: The objective was to investigate e-learning satisfaction in a sample of university students by evaluating quality of life, stress sociality, and coping. (2) Methods: This was an online survey involved 471 students attending the University of L′Aquila from June to July 2021. The primary goal was estimating the e-learning satisfaction as measured by the E-learning Satisfaction Scale, while the secondary outcomes were studying its relationship with demographic factors, the perception of quality of life, sociality, stress, and coping strategies using a hierarchical regression model. (3) Results: A total of 136 participants were males (29%); the mean age was 25 years. The results revealed that the satisfaction score was 30.6, and the mean stress level was 19.4. Students suffered psychologically and physically for 14 days a month. The sociality score was 36. With respect to coping strategies, students reported higher scores for “Acceptance” (6.0), “Active coping” (6.2), and “Planning” (6.4). E-learning satisfaction was significantly related to age and course attendance. It was positively associated with the social presence score and coping strategies such as self-blame and religion, while it was inversely related to stress and unhealthy days. (4) Conclusions: The students revealed a positive propensity to use e-learning despite the end of quarantine. Sociality, stress, quality of life, and coping seemed to play an important role in student′s e-learning satisfaction.
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Kim EM, Kim GS, Kim H, Park CG, Lee O, Pfefferbaum B. Health-related quality of life among older adults who experienced the Pohang earthquake in South Korea: A cross-sectional survey. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2022; 20:37. [PMID: 35246161 PMCID: PMC8896096 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-022-01944-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Earthquakes are global natural disasters and can cause loss of property, livelihood and affect human health. A 5.4 magnitude earthquake, the Pohang earthquake, occurred in South Korea in 2017. In this study, based on a health-related quality of life (HRQOL) conceptual model, we examined the HRQOL and its associated factors among older adults who had experienced the earthquake. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with a quota sample of 312 older adults living in eight villages of a district that was the most damaged area during the Pohang earthquake. Data were collected from January 15–March 19, 2019, via face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was performed to explore the associations among depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms, community resilience, social support, disaster preparedness, and HRQOL. Results The mean age of the participants was 77.93 ± 6.11 years. HRQOL scores were 49.85 ± 18.07 (physical health), 50.16 ± 18.75 (psychological health), 61.93 ± 19.20 (social relations), and 49.53 ± 16.37 (environment). The structural equation modeling analysis showed a good fit. Depression had direct (β = − 2.21; p < 0.001), indirect (β =− 0.23; p < 0.001), and total effects on HRQOL (β = − 2.44; p < 0.001). Community resilience (β = 6.05; p = 0.001) and social support (β = 0.12, p = 0.001) had direct and total effects on HRQOL. Disaster preparedness had indirect (β = 0.40; p = 0.001) and total (β = 0.69, p = 0.031) effects on HRQOL. In contrast, posttraumatic stress symptoms did not have significant effects on HRQOL. Conclusions Our findings indicated that lower depression, higher community resilience, social support, and disaster preparedness were associated with increased HRQOL. Thus, it is helpful to decrease depression and strengthen community resilience, social support, and disaster preparedness to promote HRQOL among older adults who have experienced earthquakes. These results can inform the development of HRQOL in socio-psychological improvement programs for older adults in community health centers and disaster-relief psychological support centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Mi Kim
- College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang Suk Kim
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Heejung Kim
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Gi Park
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ogcheol Lee
- Red Cross College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Betty Pfefferbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA
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Cofini V, Bianchini V, Muselli M, Budroni D, Tobia L, Calò GL, Fabiani L, Necozione S. Quality of Life among Pediatric Neurocognitive, Speech, and Psychomotor Rehabilitation Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study on an Italian Sample. Clin Pract 2021; 11:860-869. [PMID: 34842630 PMCID: PMC8628660 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract11040101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim was to estimate the perceived quality of life and its relationship with sociodemographic and professional factors, perception of susceptibility to COVID-19, and stress. Design: It was a longitudinal study. Subjects: Professionals, working in Italian centers for pediatric neurocognitive, speech, and psychomotor rehabilitation. Methods: Participants were interviewed online twice during the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy. The questionnaire included: (i) The measures of health-related quality of life to perform the Summary Index of Unhealthy Days, (ii) modified items from the “Standard questionnaire on risk perception of an infectious disease outbreak” and (iii) the items of the General Health Questionnaire. Results: One hundred and thirty professionals out of 130 participated in the first interview, while only 50 therapists took part in the second interview (dropout rate: 61%). The Summary Index of Unhealthy Days was 8 days at the first interview, and it decreased to 6 days at the second interview; however, the reduction was not significant (F = 3.22; p = 0.079). The multivariable analysis showed that the rehabilitation providers with moderate or severe stress level were more likely to have a negative perception of the quality of life (ORadj = 7.155; 95% CI: 2.8–18.2), and this result was confirmed at the second interview. Conclusions: Our results showed that in a severe public health emergency, the mental health and quality of life of rehabilitation professionals must be a topic of focus to enhance psychological resilience, to prevent burnout and to reduce rehabilitation errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Cofini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, Italy; (V.B.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.L.C.); (L.F.); (S.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-086-243-4652
| | - Valeria Bianchini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, Italy; (V.B.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.L.C.); (L.F.); (S.N.)
| | - Mario Muselli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, Italy; (V.B.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.L.C.); (L.F.); (S.N.)
| | - Danila Budroni
- SanStefar Abruzzo, Rehabilitation Center, Via Basilicata 12, 64026 Roseto Degli Abruzzi, Italy;
| | - Loreta Tobia
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, Italy; (V.B.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.L.C.); (L.F.); (S.N.)
| | - Giovanna Letizia Calò
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, Italy; (V.B.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.L.C.); (L.F.); (S.N.)
| | - Leila Fabiani
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, Italy; (V.B.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.L.C.); (L.F.); (S.N.)
| | - Stefano Necozione
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, Italy; (V.B.); (M.M.); (L.T.); (G.L.C.); (L.F.); (S.N.)
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Possenti V, Minardi V, Contoli B, Gallo R, Lana S, Bertozzi N, Campostrini S, Carrozzi G, Cristofori M, D'Argenzio A, De Luca A, Fateh-Moghadam P, Ramigni M, Trinito MO, Vasselli S, Masocco M. The two behavioural risk factor surveillances on the adult and elderly populations as information systems for leveraging data on health-related sustainable development goals in Italy. Int J Med Inform 2021; 152:104443. [PMID: 34004398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current lengthening of average life and constant increase of population ageing associated to forces that include rapid unplanned urbanisation and globalisation of unhealthy behaviours have determined the huge relevance of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Monitoring key modifiable behavioural risk factors has resulted to be crucial both in spatial terms and as per temporal trends in order to allow comparisons between different geographic areas or levels and over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS In Italy, PASSI (Progressi delle Aziende Sanitarie per la Salute in Italia) and Passi d'Argento are the ongoing Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance Systems (BRFSSs), respectively, on adults (people aged 18-69) and elderly (65 and older). RESULTS The two Italian surveillances are information systems providing data not only on the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) that explicitly addresses ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, but on a total of nine health-related SDGs (HRSDGs) and 19 HRSDG targets/indicators. We describe these pairs more in detail specifying where in case of BRFSS core indicators (N = 14 HRSDG targets/indicators) concerning six HRSDGs or, on the other hand, as per BRFSS further in-depth analysis (N = five HRSDG targets/indicators) in regard of four different HRSDGs. About the HRSDG 3, HRSDG target 3.4, HRSDG indicator 3.4.1, from the PASSI and Passi d'Argento data it is possible not only to detect the prevalence of NCDs in adults and elderly living in Italy, but also to evaluate the social determinants of health, such as gender, age group, educational level, economic difficulties, as well as the associations with modifiable lifestyle risk factors. CONCLUSIONS The two Italian BRFSSs generate accurate data, which are highly relevant to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate programs and policies at different levels (local, regional, national) for NCD prevention and health promotion. They provide numbers which can also serve as propaedeutic or, in some cases, complementary ground to address a robust measurement of several HRSDG patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Possenti
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, ISS, Italy.
| | - Valentina Minardi
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, ISS, Italy
| | - Benedetta Contoli
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, ISS, Italy
| | | | - Susanna Lana
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, ISS, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Marco Cristofori
- Surveillance and Health Promotion Service, Ausl Umbria 2, Orvieto, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Mauro Ramigni
- Prevention Department, Aulss 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Masocco
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, ISS, Italy
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Carmassi C, Bertelloni CA, Dell'Oste V, Luperini C, Marazziti D, Rossi R, Dell'Osso L. PTSD and Suicidal Behaviors Amongst L'Aquila 2009 Earthquake Young Survivors. Front Public Health 2021; 9:590753. [PMID: 33643987 PMCID: PMC7902690 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.590753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most frequent and severe psychiatric consequences of natural disasters, frequently associated with suicidality. The aim of this study was at examining the possible relationships between suicidal behaviors and full-blown or partial PTSD, in a sample of young earthquake survivors. The second aim was at investigating the specific role of PTSD symptoms on suicidality. Methods: A total of 475 young adults who survived the L'Aquila 2009 earthquake, one of the most severe Italian disasters of the last decades, were recruited and assessed after 21 months from the catastrophe. Participants were evaluated by two questionnaires assessing subthreshold psychopathology, the Trauma and Loss Spectrum Self-Report (TALS-SR) to investigate both full and partial PTSD, and two specific Mood Spectrum Self-Report (MOODS-SR) sub-domains exploring suicidality, namely suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Results: The ensuing findings showed that suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were present, respectively, in 40 (8.4%) and 11 (2.3%) survivors. Rates of suicidal ideation were significantly more elevated in full-blown PTSD subjects (group 1), as compared with those suffering from partial (group 2) or no PTSD (group 3). Interestingly, group 2 subjects showed significantly more suicidal ideation than healthy individuals, and less than those of group 1, while the frequency of suicide attempts was similar across the three groups. Suicidal ideation was associated with higher scores in the following TALS-SR domains: grief-reactions, re-experiencing, avoidance and numbing, maladaptive coping, and personal characteristics/risk factor. Conclusions: The results of the present study support and extend previous findings on the role of PTSD symptoms in suicidality after a severe earthquake. However, as compared with available literature, they also highlight the significant impact of sub-threshold PTSD manifestations in increasing the suicide risk in survivors of a mass disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Antonio Bertelloni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valerio Dell'Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Luperini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Rossi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Liu X, Yang H, Tang B, Liu Y, Zhang L. Health status of adolescents in the Tibetan plateau area of western China: 6 years after the Yushu earthquake. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2017; 15:152. [PMID: 28755656 PMCID: PMC5534242 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-017-0727-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An earthquake struck Yushu in Qinghai province of China on April 14, 2010, causing 2698 deaths and 12,135 injuries.The present study aimed to assess the health status, and associated determinants, of child survivors in the epicenter of the Yushu earthquake 6 years after the event. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed among students from two junior schools in Yushu County. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, Kruskal-Wallis H tests and stepwise linear regression analysis were used for data analysis. Results The mean scores onmental component summary (MCS)and physical component summary (PCS) were 42.13 (SD 7.32) and 42.04 (SD 8.07), respectively. Lower PCS in the aftermath of an earthquake was associated with being trapped/in danger, injured to self, receiving no escape training while lowerMCS in the aftermath of an earthquake was associated with a lower grade level, not living with parents, fear during the earthquake, death in the family, and not receiving psychological counseling after the earthquake. Conclusions In conclusion, the results of the present study help to expand our knowledge regarding the health status of child survivors 6 years after the Yushu earthquake. Our study provides evidence-based suggestions for specific long-term health interventions in such vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- Department of HealthService, Faculty of HealthService, Second Military Medical University, 800Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hongyang Yang
- Department of Medical Affairs, The General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, China
| | - Bihan Tang
- Department of HealthService, Faculty of HealthService, Second Military Medical University, 800Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of HealthService, Faculty of HealthService, Second Military Medical University, 800Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Department of HealthService, Faculty of HealthService, Second Military Medical University, 800Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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